It is funny what you're used to. I grew up in a hilly area and learned to drive in my mom's MGB and my dad's manual 1985 Accord, so the only "hill-start assist" was the e-brake and like training wheels, I learned not to need that for long.
Now I live in Houston. I can't blame people for having a hard time with inclines around here though. I remember a Twins club get together at a local hamburger joint. The driveway up onto the road was pretty steep and the smell of burning clutch (and rubber as people just peeled out) was strong that day.
